Plastic Pollution Coalition in LA

By Valeree Catangay

The Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC) is a global alliance of over 700 organizations, businesses, and leaders working toward a world free of plastic pollution. PPC holds luncheons every quarter at several locations around the U.S., such as Washington D.C. and the Bay area. On December 13th, 2018, I attended their first luncheon in the Los Angeles area at Snap, Inc.

Here are some upcoming initiatives shared by presenters at the luncheon:

5Gyres is hosting a “TrashBlitz,” in which any member of the LA Community can be a citizen scientist by collecting data on different types of plastic pollution around their neighborhood using a mobile app.

Surfrider Foundation recently launched an Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program, that allows restaurants to be certified using several criteria, including reusable tableware for onsite dining and straws served only by request.

Single-use plastics have become a prevalent topic of discussion in the past year, especially on social media. Initiatives like these can serve as great inspiration for others to champion in their own lives and organizations.

Why are groups, committees, and coalitions like the PPC important?

Providing a space where people can come together and share different strategies and solutions is an excellent way to collaborate and make faster progress. This progress is also ensured by having a recurring meeting that helps keep people accountable to their goals. When it comes to tackling something as widespread as plastic pollution, the more people that can get involved, the better!

It’s only through the diligent efforts of organizations, businesses and like-minded individuals that make up the PPC, that the calamity of global plastic pollution will receive the attention that it deserves.

If you'd like to learn more about the Plastic Pollution Coalition, check out their website! And if you want updates on local events, groups, laws, or informative pieces, check out the rest of our All About Waste blog!

Valeree Catangay is part of the All About Waste team and is also a member of the Environmentalists of Color Collective at UCLA, a group focused on increasing conversations around environmental justice and diversity and inclusion in environmentalism.